During the CFDT’s grand oral exam, the main candidates for the European elections were invited to defend their projects in front of the French Democratic Confederation of Labour. The event took place with the absence of the far-right, which was not invited by the union and was the target of most candidates. Representative of the majority, Valérie Hayer (Renaissance), Raphaël Glucksmann (Socialist Party – Public Place), Manon Aubry (France Unbowed), Marie Toussaint (The Ecologists), Léon Deffontaines (French Communist Party), and Aurélien Caron (in 17th position on the Republicans’ list) each presented their vision of Europe just over two weeks before the June 9th election.
CFDT Secretary-General Marylise Léon stated that the far-right represents a “return of national selfishness” and emphasized that the CFDT would never align with this ideology. Beatrice Lestic, a national secretary of the union, supported the decision not to engage with the far-right, stating that they combat it instead. This stance was praised by Glucksmann, who emphasized the importance of standing against the “wave of the far-right” impacting the continent. He also highlighted the need to challenge the notion that it is normal for 40% of the population to support the far-right in France.
During her speech, Hayer asserted that the project for Europe involves the fight against the RN (National Rally). Aubry characterized the far-right as dangerous to democracy and highlighted its threat to the social model, stressing the importance of centering social issues in the political agenda and implementing taxation on excessive profits. Ecologist candidate Marie Toussaint warned of the rise of the far-right in France and across Europe, which she believes endangers the European project. She advocated for a green pact in response to the far-right agenda, criticizing the current political focus on ecology and social issues as scapegoats.
The CFDT’s exclusion of the far-right from the event was met with approval from the candidates, as they emphasized the need to resist the far-right’s influence and protect democratic values. Glucksmann and other candidates called for a Europe rooted in feminist values and urged for a strong opposition to the far-right narrative. Overall, the event showcased a united front against the far-right, with candidates presenting alternative visions for Europe that prioritize social justice, environmental protection, and the preservation of democratic principles. The discussion highlighted the importance of actively challenging far-right ideologies and building a more inclusive and progressive European Union.
